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Could be the timing, I would at least put a timing light on it.
Also check the thermal air valve in the cylinder head, here is some info:
https://www.bbcboards.net/showthread.php?t=372095

I also...

Do you have a temp reading when this is happening? What temp are you seeing on the display?

Did you check gaps on the plugs? I would also pull the plug off that plug and run it and see if it changes. If it doesn’t make it worse then probably the problem. Either fuel or spark.

Yep, just the diaphragm kit, the rest is just the housing, which I would imagine never really go bad. Not much to the whole pump, most rubber and plastic pieces inside two outer metal shells.

Try Walmart, they might have the Quicksilver equivalent oil, they used to not sure they still carry it or not.

How much power do you actually get from cutting heads and higher octane?

The cost of a running used powerhead is probably not much less than a running used motor.

Not a lot you can do for a couple hundred bucks. Your best bet is to dial in the setup, such as motor height, prop, etc. Only real purchase is reeds and I guess the stuffers, not sure what you can...

I plugged mine at the gearcase, it’s a standard size plug, but not sure what size, bought a brass fitting at the hardware store. That way I could remove the hose and not worry about it coming loose.

Class 15: Curbs: How to spot them and Strategies to avoid them.

Best way as Don says, that way you don’t have to be gentle prying out the old base. I usually will screw to long screws into the base and grab the screws with pliers to pull it out. Makes fast work.

You can send your Ecm out to be checked before buying a new one. Or find someone with the same motor and borrow a known good ecm and try it out.

Here is the fuel selection guide from the faq:

Fuel Selection:

Make your fuel selections based on the following criteria, IN THE FOLLOWING ORDER:

-High Traffic, Top-Tier (Name Brand) Fuel...

Might try a local trailer shop, maybe cheaper if you include shipping.

87 is what your motor uses so 87 ethanol free would be great. There is info on fuel selection in the faq

Read this, guy had the same thought of why you count the return path also, and it’s true for AC and DC....

Sounds like a pretty normal price.

That is for AC/DC not DC. It’s different. In a DC circuit the flow is a circle from positive post to
the negative post. Current flows all the way, the whole distance not just on one side.

edit:...

What size (length and load rating) are the axles? How many axles?

And a digital gauge from Mercury would be much more accurate.

Me too, 2002 Mercury, never a problem with the trim/tilt. Prefer to let it be until there is a problem. Afraid I’ll muck around and break something that isn’t broke.

You can only get the service manuals from Mercury in hard copies. Can order from any Mercury dealer with serial number or you can order from Don, the moderator and selfless guru and owner of European...

Could be it’s not the lower unit and you may have a loose exhaust tuner in the midsection, does motor seem a little louder?

Here is info on lapping the reeds:
https://www.bbcboards.net/showthread.php?t=370321
From the faq at the top of the forum.

That seems like that would be a way forward, would give you a lot more options. Maybe buy one bms that can control three batteries for a 36 volt bank for a trolling motor, could also include an...